About this course
Develop the analytical and statistical skills for success in industry, business or public sector on this MSc Operational Research and Statistics at the University of Southampton. You’ll work with multinational industry partners on real case studies, and learn operational research techniques and applied statistical methods at an advanced level. You’ll graduate with the knowledge and practical skills in 2 highly valued disciplines.
This course is closed for entry in 2022 please see our other courses available.
World Top 40 and 7th in the UK for Statistics and Operational Research (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021).
Operational researchers use analytical methods to help organisations become more productive through better planning of strategy and delivery.
Statistics is an important tool for operational researchers, because it involves decision-making in the face of uncertainty.
On this operational research UK master’s course you’ll learn to develop solutions to complex organisational problems using mathematical modelling, experimental design, statistical analysis and numerical computation.
You'll gain essential skills in the 4 main areas of real-world problem-solving:
- analysing the problem through designing experiments, and collecting and visualising data
- formulating the problem mathematically and offering solution approaches
- providing statistical analysis and computation
- presenting and communicating the results
A highlight of this statistics and operational research course is the 3-month summer project, when you’ll have the chance to compete to work with an external organisation on a real problem. This could relate to operational research, statistics, or both.
Course lead
Your course leader is Dr Hou-Duo Qi, Professor of Optimization within Mathematical Sciences at the University of Southampton. His research focuses on Matrix Optimization with applications in finance and statistics. Read Dr Qi’s staff profile to find out more about his work.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a subject which provides some quantitative training, such as:
- computer science
- economics
- engineering
- mathematics
- physics
- statistics
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This is full-time master’s course. Your studies will last 12 months, from September to the following September.
For the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll focus on the taught part of your course.
Each semester is made up of a combination of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules that we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options. Optional modules allow you to pursue a specialism in either operational research or statistics, or a balance of the 2.
For the remainder of the course, you’ll work independently on your research project and dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
This module aims to introduce the student to the main deterministic techniques that are used in operational research, namely linear and integer programming, dynamic programming, machine scheduling, project networks, and heuristics. The process of modellin...
This module develops methods for conducting inference about parametric statistical models. The techniques studied are general and applicable to a wide range of statistical models, including simple models for identically distributed responses and regressio...
Students are allocated a project with an external organisation or on a topic devised by a member of staff in the Operational Research or Management Sciences group at the University of Southampton.
This module consists of lecturers and associated practical sessions. The first part will focus on basic statistical programming in R. The second part will provide an introduction to some modern computational statistical methods and their implementation in...
The Stochastic OR Techniques part introduces the concepts and applications of the following four topics: queuing systems, inventory systems, reliability theory and decision theory. Models and examples are also given to demonstrate applications of the topi...
You must also choose from the following modules:
The first case study is run by a company over one day and focuses on the modelling of a problem that is of current interest. The second case study runs over four days and requires a complex problem to be solved. The techniques used to tackle the problems ...
The aim of the course is to provide a modern view of computer-based data analysis, from the statistical point of view. The course is intended for students with a solid basic background in probability, statistical methods, and computing, and who aim to bu...
The module provides an introduction to the use of spreadsheets, databases and R for modelling in Operational Research.
Welcome to the Data Visualisation module! In this course, you would learn about the terminology, concepts and techniques behind visualising data, and will get to use a range of tools to get experience of creating visual representations of data. You will g...
When planning experiments, it is essential that the data collected are as relevant and informative as possible. The statistical principles for the design of experiments include the choice of optimal or good treatments sets and appropriate replication of t...
This module will introduce and develop flexible statistical modelling methods that allow for general and complex forms of data to be modelled, extending ideas already encountered in earlier modules on linear and/or generalised linear modelling. The two ma...
The module will introduce students to time series models and associated forecasting methods.
This module aims to teach students the fundamentals of writing structured computer programs, applicable using any high level programming language. However, students will be shown the special features of Python that makes this language especially useful fo...
Nonlinear programming is used in a variety of applications, ranging from machine learning and data science to finance and engineering. This course provides an introduction to nonlinear programming and covers modelling techniques as well as solution algori...
This is a self-study module that aims to develop the skills required for researching, writing and presenting a report on some aspect of Operational Research/Data and Decision Analytics.
The module provides an introduction to the theory and practice of Revenue Management
This module focuses on statistical and demographic consulting.
Learning and assessment
Learning
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- computer workshops
- case studies
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
- written exams
- presentations
- coursework
- a dissertation
Dissertation
You’ll research and write a dissertation on a topic in operational research, statistics or a combination of the 2.
You’ll work with an industry partner in a commercial setting, or a member of academic staff. Our industrial liaison team will work with you to find a project that suits your skills and career plans.
The dissertation is a chance for you to develop your research skills and expertise in a particular area of the subject.
You’ll have regular support meetings with your supervisor throughout the process.
Academic Support
You’ll be assigned a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
With this degree you’ll be ready to work as an operational researcher or statistician in industry, business or the public sector.
Career advancement is usually rapid in operational research.
Industries you could go into include:
- government
- defence
- financial services
- health
- manufacturing
- oil
- transport and travel
You’ll also be in a great position to continue your researches at PhD level.
Many external organisations are represented on the advisory board of our research centre, CORMSIS. Throughout the course you’ll have opportunities to network with companies such as:
- Shell
- British Airways
- AA
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
- HM Revenue & Customs
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £21,000.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Make sure we receive your application at least 4 weeks before the start of the course. This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available.
International students
Make sure we receive your application at least 6 weeks before the start of the course.
This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available. It will also give you time to apply for a visa if we offer you a place.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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